St Combs Bay and the Strathbeg reserve

Summary

This short but little visited beach circuit follows the sands beneath some particularly impressive dunes until the outflow for the Loch of Strathbeg is reached. It then heads inland to return along a peaceful haven between the dunes and farmland. The walk does not actually visit the Loch, the best place to access this bird reserve is at the visitor centre and hides signed from the A90 at Crimond.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Beach, dunes and faint, rough grassy path; rough in places especially by the outflow.

Getting there

Start

Community Hall, St Combs.

Public Transport

St Combs is served by bus from Fraserburgh.

Start Grid Ref

NK056629

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 35m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The village of St Combs is a real maze of narrow streets; the walk begins from the Community Hall on Corsekelly Place. Leaving the car park, turn right along the street towards the sea, then left at the end along Seaview. Fork right down Church Street, then turn right down a track along the near side of the high cemetery wall. This heads downhill to join another track; bear right along this. The track continues behind the dunes. After a few hundred metres it passes a stone seat with an old concrete slip - continue ahead along the track until a grassy junction. From here turn left between the dunes to reach the sandy beach.

Stage 2

Unless the tide is high (in which case you would have to continue behind the dunes) - turn right along the beach. Continue walking south, passing close to the impressive dunes which can be seen stretching away into the distance all the way to the lighthouse at Rattray Head. This beach has a wild feel, and there are often seals basking on the sand - if you see them, keep a good distance as they can easily be disturbed.

Stage 3

Eventually progress along the beach is blocked by the outflow from the Loch of Strathbeg flowing out to sea. Here it is necessary to head inland around the edge of the lagoon formed by the slow moving water - a great habitat for wading birds. There is little path and the going is quite rough where the river has cut into the dunes in places - depending on the water level, you may need to go higher in the dunes.

Stage 4

The path now runs alongside the reedy river for some time before a small wooden bridge is reached. It is possible to continue all the way to Rattray Head by crossing the bridge, but for the circular route do not cross, instead turning right just before the bridge to follow a faint path that keeps to the right of a drainage ditch. The path crosses the hidden area behind the dunes; the pill boxes remind of the threat of invasion during world war two, but now the area is inhabited by rabbits, dragonflies and the occasional buzzard overhead. Eventually the outward route is rejoined at a junction of tracks - keep straight on and retrace your steps back via the cemetery to return to St Combs.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Gardenstown Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Gardenstown cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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